Tesla scores $10M grant from CA for Model X

Electric car maker Tesla has scored a $10 million grant from the California Energy Commission to help it make its next-generation electric SUV/minivan the Model X, Forbes reports. The article says that Tesla will use the grant to hire another 700 workers in 2014, and Tesla will match the grant with $50 million of its own funds.

Tesla unveiled the Model X — a crossover vehicle with “falcon” wing doors (double-hinged doors) that could appeal to women and families — in February of this year. The Model X will be built on the Model S platform and will be priced in the same range as the Model S. Here’s a short video we made with the Model X earlier this year:

Still, this is one of the most difficult times for Tesla, as it needs to ramp up production of the Model S at a rapid rate and transition into being a more mainstream auto manufacturer. Tesla also recently announced that it is building out solar-powered electric car charging stations that it will let Model S owners use for free.